January- February 2010

It is hard to believe we are in the second month of a new year already. Time really does fly fast when you are having fun. Remember Valentines Day is just around the corner.

MEMBER REPORT:

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Retired Captain Davis Love (L30).
Captain Love passed away on Monday. January 25, 2010. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized as of this newsletter. Please stay in touch and you will be notified as soon as they are. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with the family at this most difficult time.

Duke Denson was admitted to Baptist hospital on Jan. 25, 2010 for kidney surgery. He is expected to be in there for at least 3 days.

Jim White was admitted to the Sand’s Hospital on Monday, January 11, 2010 for mild cardiac problems. He had an internal defibrillator placed in his heart. Jim is home doing well.

Phil Lepanto (Sta.28) went to a nursing home down south. Phil is suffering with advanced Alzheimer’s. His wife is a candidate for a liver transplant.

George Thornton has asked that prayers be said for his great-grandson- Mason Baker who suffers from SMA, a rare neurological spinal disease. George’s grand-daughter is confined to the house in order to take care of Mason and they have asked for prayers that they may continue to have the strength to do what has to be done.

George Treadwell, Jacksonville’s oldest living fireman, is still maintaining and has a birthday coming up on February 9, George enjoys getting mail, if you have time please send a card, 7629 Fouraker Rd., Bryceville, Florida 32209.

As always our sincere thoughts and prayers are with these brothers and their families.

EVENTS AND REPORTS:

Captain Murray Kramer retired in December. Captain Kramer was the go to person for retirees when there was a question concerning worker’s compensation and insurance. The position of Health and Safety Officer is now going to be shared by Captain Ken Middleton and Captain Ed Cobb. Captain Middleton (Opie) attended the breakfast introduced himself and let everyone know that they will be available should a retiree ever need them. Captain Middleton also joined the Association at the breakfast.

At the January 14, breakfast with 85 present, the Jacksonville Firemen’s Credit Union paid for the breakfast. Emory Holsenbeck, Chairman, Lisa Wakefield and Kelly Waters were in attendance and thanked all those there for their continued trust in the credit unit.

The Jacksonville Firefighter’s Death Benefit Fund had a shot in the arm last week. Captain Nick Tison was doing Zoll monitor inspections and testing at Julia Street. As units would take their monitors to be tested Nick was pitching the Benefit Fund. Captain Tison reports an estimated 60-80 new people joined the fund. Captain Tison surely was multi tasking and doing a darn fine job of it. Just as a reminder there will be a meeting of the Fund on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Firefighter’s Hall. Please call John Peavy, 631-8867, or Fred Ferguson, 783-9837 and RSVP because dinner will be served at 6:00.

During the JAXRFA Executive Board meeting it was discussed that the retiree’s missed the time they spent drinking coffee and eating donuts on payday Fridays at the credit union. So starting on Friday, February 5, 2010 and every payday thereafter for an undetermined time there will be coffee and donuts served at the Fire Museum for those that would like to sit for a spell.

The Firefighter’s Speck Fishing Tournament held a committee meeting at Jim White’s cabin in Salt Springs on Wednesday, January 13, 2010. Jim was admitted to Shand’s Hospital on Monday and unable to attend however, he had his fishing buddy Arnold Haddock step in and took care of water pipes caused by the freezes. It was nice of Jim to allow us the use his house for our meeting without his presence. This year was the largest attendance of firefighters (62). Wayne Doolittle and Arnold Haddock cooked “Motel Chili” and fried sweet potatoes. A good time was had by all. Jim says that if you are looking for a fishing buddy “Call Arnold Haddock is looking for one.” Don’t forget
March 15 – 18, 2010 the 28th Annual Firefighter’s Speck Fishing Tournament in Suwannee, Florida, registrations will be mailed soon.


The Red Knights Motorcycle Club and Ride Captain David Ash had scheduled a monthly ride earlier in the month but due to the freezing weather it was postponed until Saturday, January 23, 2010. The club met at the Cracker Barrel on US 17 and I-295. The weather was cool but nice. The club rode by way of back roads to Crescent City to eat lunch at “Three Bananas” on Crescent Lake. After eating lunch they rode back to Palatka for coffee and donuts. It was a good ride and good fellowship. No injuries and safe riding.
Ground work is being laid for the “BIG” ride in May. Details to follow.